Which hiking socks should I choose?
Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced mountain climber, you've probably come across this question at some point. I hear that many people have trouble choosing socks, especially for summer and winter mountain climbing.
In fact, it is said that depending on the socks you choose when hiking, you can prevent all kinds of problems, such as blisters, tired feet, stuffiness, and odor .
In this article, we will focus on five-finger socks and merino wool socks , which are especially recommended for summer mountain climbing, and explain in detail how to choose them and what to look out for.
【table of contents】
1. Why five-finger socks are so highly recommended for mountain climbing
2. For those of you wondering, "Wool even in summer?"
3. Checkpoints when choosing hiking socks
4. Actual recommended products
5. Summary
Why five-finger socks are so highly recommended for mountain climbing
1. Prevents moisture buildup between your fingers and prevents blisters
When hiking, you will be walking for long periods of time, which can make your feet sweat.
Summer is especially prone to stuffiness, making it easy for blisters to form between your toes. Five-finger hiking socks separate each toe, preventing friction between your toes and dispersing sweat. This ultimately helps prevent blisters and improves breathability .
This five-finger structure is extremely beneficial when it comes to solving the problem of socks when hiking in the sweaty summer.
2. Increased grip on the ground for greater stability
On scree or rocky areas, you need to rely on the sensation in your toes. Five-fingered shoes allow your toes to move freely , giving you the feeling of having a firm grip on the ground.
It also provides excellent traction on slippery slopes and uneven ground, offering superior safety and performance.
3. Easy to wear all day
Climbers who actually use the shoes have said things like, "My feet have gotten a lot less tired since I switched to five-finger shoes," and "My feet are moving less inside my shoes."
The shape of the socks follows the structure of the foot, dispersing the burden of walking. In recent years, this design has become popular as a five-toe sock for mountain climbing, with beginners and veterans alike choosing them.
For those of you who are wondering, "Wool even in summer?" Merino wool socks are actually the best choice for summer mountain climbing.
Do you think wool is a winter material? That's only half right. Merino wool socks, used for mountain climbing, are gaining popularity as a natural material that is comfortable to wear in the summer , unlike regular wool.
Why Merino Wool is Great for Summer
-Absorbs sweat and dries quickly : Merino wool has excellent moisture absorption and release properties, allowing sweat to quickly escape.
-Highly odor-resistant : Natural antibacterial properties mean you won't have to worry about odor even if you wear them for a long time.
- Regulates body temperature : Merino wool is known as a natural air conditioner, retaining heat when it's cold and releasing heat when it's hot, making it comfortable even in summer.
- Smooth to the touch : The extremely fine fibers do not irritate the skin, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Points to check when choosing hiking socks
By keeping the following three points in mind, you will be able to choose more comfortable hiking socks.
1. [Structure] Choose a five-finger type
It's true that blisters and fatigue are a constant problem. Sweat and friction can easily cause problems, especially in the summer mountains , so the five-finger construction is extremely effective.
Choosing five-finger socks, especially for mountain climbing, will ensure you can walk comfortably even in the summer.
2. [Material] Choose merino wool even in summer
Merino wool has the ideal functionality of moisture absorption and release plus odor prevention . It is gaining attention as a material for summer hiking socks, as it does not get stuffy even in hot weather.
Recently, merino wool socks that are blended with polyester and other materials have also appeared, which, in addition to the benefits of merino wool, offer improved quick-drying and durability.
3. [Support function] Includes arch support
If you choose shoes with arch support to reduce fatigue in the soles of your feet and reinforced ankles and heels, you will be comfortable even on long mountain hikes.
Recommended product: Five-toe merino wool socks from Japanese brand "OLENO"
Let me introduce one product here. The product I'm going to introduce is a pair of merino wool socks that are perfect for summer mountain climbing, and also allows you to experience the comfort of five-finger socks.
OLENO, a Japanese outdoor sock brand, offers five-finger hiking socks made from merino wool.
Performance Wool Five-finger model → Made with carefully selected merino wool. Excellent grip and support, suitable for long mountain climbing.
The lineup is suitable for a variety of situations, including mountain climbing, trails, and hiking, and is especially recommended for those who want to choose socks that suit Japan's climate and feet.
>> Learn more about the Performance Wool 5-finger model
★ Real experience review included
The Performance Wool 5-finger model was used on Mt. Nijo (Nara Prefecture) in June.
Although it was still June, the temperature was over 30°C, and although I could feel the heat building up in my feet, I was wearing summer hiking socks, so I didn't feel wet or uncomfortable and was able to walk comfortably.
After descending the mountain, my socks were hardly damp even after I took them off in the car, so I felt that even if I walked a little further, I wouldn't have to worry about my feet getting soggy and the skin peeling off.
However, for those who still don't like five-finger shoes, we also have rounded toe types.
Specialized for mountain climbing
Performance wool crew length
Made with carefully selected wool, these hiking socks combine fashion and practicality. These socks combine comfort and style to ensure you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable hike.
>> Product details page is here
Performance wool crew length mid-weight
The "Performance Wool" series was developed to deliver the best possible performance. This mid-weight model is specifically designed for climbers who tackle high altitudes in colder seasons. These socks combine comfort and style to ensure you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable climb.
>> Product details page is here
Can be used daily or for running
Comod(y) pecora
The next generation of wool socks was completed in collaboration with over 100 users.
>> Product details page is here
summary
When hiking in the mountains in summer, choosing the right socks is extremely important to prevent foot problems.
In particular, people who search the internet or Amazon for keywords such as "five-finger hiking socks," "merino wool summer hiking socks," "five-finger hiking socks," or "five-finger socks" are likely suffering from blisters, stuffiness, and tired feet.
Five-finger socks made of merino wool will eliminate such worries.
The functionality of natural materials and ingenious construction make hiking comfortable even in summer.
Why not start by taking a look at your socks on your next mountain hike?
Just changing your footwear can completely change the way you feel about mountain climbing.
